Distracted Driving and Pedestrian Safety: Why Slowing Down Saves Lives

Every day, thousands of pedestrians step onto crosswalks trusting drivers to see them, slow down, and stop. But with distractions rising and speeds climbing, that trust is increasingly betrayed, leading to deadly consequences.

This Pedestrian Safety Month, we’re recognizing communities adopting a more pedestrian-focused approach to road safety with lower speed limits, automated enforcement technologies, and improved pedestrian infrastructure.

The urgency is clear. In 2023 alone, 11,775 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes, and 332,598 people were injured. Among these victims were pedestrians – 7,314 of whom were killed in fatal crashes.

Distraction: A Shared Danger on the Road

Distractions are everywhere, affecting both pedestrians and drivers, making roads increasingly hazardous for pedestrians.  A recent survey conducted by Verra Mobility found that 85% of Americans believe that distracted driving is just as dangerous, if not more so, than drinking and driving.

Distracted driving disproportionately affects pedestrians – especially children in school zones. A recent survey found that 84% of Florida parents who drive their child to or from school have witnessed at least one unsafe driving behavior in a school zone. Distracted driving behaviors can include using a phone, failure to yield at a crosswalk, running red lights, and, in many cases, speeding.

Speed Creates a Dangerous Equation

Speeding doesn’t just reduce the reaction time of drivers; it also dramatically increases the severity of crashes. According to research:

• At 20 mph, a pedestrian has an 18% chance of severe injury if struck
• At 30 mph, that risk jumps to 50%
• At 40 mph, it skyrockets to 81%

This exponential rise in danger underscores why even small reductions in speed can make a life-saving difference.

How Cities are Creating Change

A growing number of cities are responding to these alarming trends by revisiting traffic laws and redesigning streets with pedestrians in mind. Lower speed limits, raised crosswalks, better lighting, and automated enforcement technologies are just a few tools deployed to protect pedestrians.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, fixed-speed units can reduce crashes on urban arterial roads by up to 54%. Verra Mobility is making a difference with automated enforcement cameras that change driver behavior and reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

How We Can All Help Create Safer Communities

The data is clear: speeding is dangerous. By lowering speed limits, enforcing traffic laws, and designing streets that prioritize people over cars, we can reverse these deadly trends.

This Pedestrian Safety Month, we can all make a difference by committing to driving at prudent speeds. Slowing down saves lives and makes our streets safer for everyone.